Become A TOURNAMENT VOLUNTEER!

The NYSGA's Tournament Volunteer Program consists of almost 100 dedicated individuals who donate their time in support of amateur golf. Effective for the 2026 season, the NYSGA Tournament Committee has approved important updates to the NYSGA Tournament Volunteer Program Classification & Certification Framework. 

The NYSGA Tournament Volunteer Program uncludes five classifications: 

  • Tournament Volunteer-in-Training: New volunteers working towards a permanent classification level. The primary on-course role is acting as a spotter, where you are assigned to a hole to help players find errant golf balls and assist Rules Officials manage pace of play.
  • Tournament Volunteer: An entry level role that includes many essential functions that do not require advanced Rules of Golf knowledge that directly support players. The primary on-course role is acting as a spotter, but advanced roles in this category includes serving as a registration volunteer or volunteer coordinator. 
  • Rules Official: This advanced role requires experience as a Tournament Volunteer and achieving certification through the USGA and/or NYSGA Rules of Golf exams. Rules Officials ensure that all NYSGA competitions are played under the Rules of Golf, assisting players by answering Rules questions and enforcing pace of play requirements. There are three separate Rules Official categories that include (view certification framework above for requirements):
    • NYSGA Rules Official
    • Advanced Rules Official
    • Expert Rules Official

If you are interested in joining the NYSGA team as a volunteer, complete the New Volunteer Registration Form which includes an industry standard background check. Once completed, you will attend a virtual orientation (1-hour) led by a member of the NYSGA professional staff. Then you can register to volunteer at your first tournament, where you will shadow a senior official to receive on-course training. We will mail you the complimentary NYSGA volunteer uniform, which includes a hat, golf shirt, and name badge.

Contact Jack Travers (jtravers@nysga.org or 315-471-6979) with any questions.

 

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